Details

Autor(en) / Beteiligte

• Coren, Chad M

Titel

Computer-assisted sex therapy: Revisiting sensate focus

Ort / Verlag

ProQuest Dissertations & Theses

Erscheinungsjahr

2008

Quelle

ProQuest Dissertations & Theses A&I

Beschreibungen/Notizen

• Previous research has demonstrated the utility of employing computer applications in the treatment of common mental health conditions (e.g., clinical depression and anxiety). However, there is a paucity of literature regarding how such applications could be used in the treatment of other problems such as sexual dysfunction. The purpose of this theoretical dissertation is (1) to describe the rationale for using computer applications in the psychosocial treatment of sexual dysfunction (i.e., sex therapy) and (2) to demonstrate how computer technology could be applied to a sex therapy technique (i.e., Masters and Johnson's sensate focus). Several steps are necessary to achieve this goal. First, I will briefly describe the progress of computer technology over the past two decades, how it has impacted the practice of psychology, and previous factors (ethical, legal, utility, efficacy) that have affected its adoption. Contemporary research will then be examined to elucidate how issues of ethicality, legality, utility and efficacy have been addressed in the evolution and adaptation of mental health applications over the past decade. Various classifications of computer technology will also be described to distinguish the differences in how these technologies have been used (computerized therapy, computer assisted therapy, Internet-based practice). Next, a brief overview of sexual dysfunction and sex therapy will be provided with special emphasis on the technique of sensate focus. I will then provide a rationale for why computer applications could be effectively used in the treatment of sexual dysfunction. This will include a review of published sex therapy programs. From the synthesis of this information, I will then demonstrate a computer-assisted sex therapy intervention that is based on Masters and Johnson's sensate focus technique. Finally, the implications of such a program will be discussed.